Her opponent was right in front of her. Though until he moved, he might have been easy enough to mistake for a statue.

"Welcome, friend! You have the distinct honor of testing out my latest and greatest creation! Now before you change your mind, remember that your participation in this battle is a binding contract!"

Two segments of the bridge swiveled open, and from the gap in-between, a platform rose up, bearing on it the Leviathan Mark II. The mechagnome leaped up onto its top, dove into the hatch... and then the might machine roared to life.